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Paycheck Friday: Throw a ‘Game of Thrones’ viewing party

Welcome to the inaugural edition of Hero Complex’s new Paycheck Friday series. Every other Friday, Hero Complex will guide you through the vast world of toys, books, games and other geek merchandise and share some of our favorites.

With “Game of Thrones” returning for its fifth season on Sunday, it’s only fitting that this week’s paycheck goes to fund a viewing party for the season premiere. Hopefully, these items will help guests get into the proper mood without taking an unpleasant turn the way celebrations often take in the series.

What’s a Westerosi party without food? Anybody familiar with George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series knows that Martin’s novels are filled with highly detailed, almost opulent descriptions of the extravagant feasts indulged in by the upper crust of King’s Landing.

“A Feast of Ice and Fire” is the official cookbook endorsed by Martin, with recipes inspired by the fantasy series. The recipes are divided by region, so the most meticulous party planners can even organize the spread as a food map of Westeros.

With food taken care of, the next concern for a proper viewing party is beverages.

While wine would be the obvious Cersei Lannister-approved choice of drink, our pick is for the “Game of Thrones”-inspired beers by Brewery Ommegang.

The Cooperstown, N.Y.-based brewery has been creating “Thrones”-themed beer since early 2013 with its inaugural brew “Iron Throne,” a blonde ale in honor of the Lannisters. Its most recent creation is a dark Saison ale dubbed “Three-Eyed Raven.” Perhaps Bran Stark fans can turn to this brew to fill the void of his absence in the story line this season (please indulge responsibly).

Instead of directly depicting the story on the show, Telltale’s episodic adventure game follows members of House Forrester as they navigate Westeros and interact with familiar characters from the series. The events from the show are intertwined with the game’s narrative, which starts off near the end of the third season. The first three episodes are available now.